Artwork
Polichinelle
Polichinelle is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Edouard Manet. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Edouard Manet’s 1874 work Polichinelle is a seven‑color lithograph printed on bright white wove paper. It represents the second edition of the print, employing the lithographic process to achieve vivid, flat areas of hue. The image depicts a solitary figure dressed in an ostentatious costume, rendered with a loose, gestural line that emphasizes the theatrical quality of the scene.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a man garbed in a flamboyant, mismatched costume reminiscent of a commedia dell’arte character.
The central figure is a man garbed in a flamboyant, mismatched costume reminiscent of a commedia dell’arte character. He wears a tall, ornamented hat, a ruffled collar, and stockings that clash with his shoes; one leg appears green, the other blue, while his coat combines brown and green tones. Holding a stick, he seems poised between motion and stillness, suggesting a performative, almost comic presence.
Technique & Style
Manet employed a seven‑color lithographic palette, layering inks to produce the bright, saturated surfaces characteristic of the print. The technique allows for flat expanses of color alongside swift, expressive outlines, creating a sense of immediacy. The loose handling of line and the exaggerated proportions align the work with Manet’s interest in modern, popular visual culture.
History & Provenance
First issued in 1874, Polichinelle was produced as a second edition lithograph, indicating a demand for multiple copies beyond the initial run. While specific ownership records are limited, the print has been catalogued among Manet’s graphic works and appears in several museum collections dedicated to 19th‑century French prints.
Context
The title references Polichinelle, the French name for the stock character Pulcinella, a figure known for his slapstick humor and exaggerated costume. Manet’s choice reflects the late‑19th‑century fascination with theatrical motifs and the blending of high art with popular entertainment, situating the print within broader trends of realism and satire.
Artist & collection
Artist
Édouard Manet didn’t have much time to make his mark—he died at 51—but he used every year.
